EXHIBIT 99.1


DATE: December 16, 2002



AMERICAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS
EXPANDS COMMITMENT TO
GYNECOLOGY MARKET WITH
ACQUISITION OF CRYOGEN

HerOption(TM) technology offers gynecologists
and their patients a simple office-based procedure
to eliminate excessive menstrual bleeding


MINNEAPOLIS, December 16 - American Medical Systems Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: AMMD)
is expanding its leadership in innovation for women's health by acquiring
CryoGen Inc. for $40 million in cash plus an additional payment contingent on
future sales of CryoGen's HerOption(TM) products for excessive menstrual
bleeding.

Excessive menstrual bleeding, or menorrhagia, affects roughly 13 million women
in the United States and accounts for more than one quarter of all
hysterectomies in the U.S. HerOption offers women a much less invasive solution.
The technology uses a micro-processor-controlled probe to eliminate excessive
menstrual bleeding by freezing the lining of the uterus and reducing its ability
to regenerate. The HerOption procedure can be done in the gynecologist's office,
allows the woman to keep her uterus and normal hormonal levels, and avoids the
hospital stay and recovery time associated with a hysterectomy. More information
about excessive menstrual bleeding and HerOption therapy may be found at
www.HerOption.com.

In making the announcement, Mr. Douglas Kohrs, President and Chief Executive
Officer of American Medical Systems, noted, "We are excited to be offering the
HerOption therapy, which has caught the attention of gynecologists who want to
provide their patients with a simple, in-office, convenient procedure with very
high patient satisfaction rates." In the FDA study that supported approval for
this indication, 94 percent of patients reported successful results and 97
percent of patients said they would recommend HerOption to a friend.

Mr. Charles Tribie, CryoGen's President and CEO added, "American Medical
Systems' commitment to women's health has been demonstrated in their development
of new products for treating incontinence and other pelvic floor defects over
the last three years. We are pleased to see our product line with a company
which has the strength and commitment to deliver these benefits to the millions
of women who suffer from excessive menstrual bleeding."

American Medical Systems expects that sales of HerOption will grow quickly
during 2003, adding approximately five percentage points to the Company's
revenue growth rate for the year. The acquisition is expected to be slightly
dilutive to 2003 earnings, but accretive by the fourth quarter, excluding
one-time charges associated with the transaction. The company will host a
conference call to discuss the acquisition at 5:00 p.m. ET today. To listen to a
live webcast of the call, go to the company's Website,
www.AmericanMedicalSystems.com and click to the investor relations page.







AMERICAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS
DECEMBER 16, 2002
Page 2 of 2


ABOUT AMERICAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS

American Medical Systems, headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, is a world
leader in medical devices and procedures to treat three major diseases:
incontinence, erectile dysfunction (ED), and urinary obstructions caused
primarily by enlarged prostate (benign prostate hyperplasia, or BPH). Although
not life-threatening, these disorders can significantly diminish one's quality
of life and profoundly affect social relationships. In recent years, the number
of people seeking treatment has increased markedly as a result of longer life
expectancy, higher quality-of-life expectations, and greater awareness of new
treatment alternatives. American Medical Systems' products reduce or eliminate
the incapacitating effects of these diseases, often through minimally invasive
surgery. The company's products were used to treat nearly 70,000 patients in 54
countries during the last 12 months. More information about the company and its
products may be found at www.AmericanMedicalSystems.com.


ABOUT CRYOGEN INC.

Cryogen, Inc. is an emerging growth medical device company focused on the
development and marketing of its patented cryoablation technology for
gynecological and other applications. Cryogen received FDA approval for
HerOption, a minimally invasive, closed cycle cryoablation device and supporting
system that enables physicians to ablate (destroy) tissue at extremely low
temperatures. The company is headquartered in San Diego, California.


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

      Statements about the company's future products, sales, and financial
results are forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties
including the timing and success of new product introductions, including sales
of HerOption, continued physician endorsement and use of the company's products,
competitor activities, changes in reimbursement rates, and potential product
recalls. These risks and uncertainties are more fully described in the company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2001, and its other,
more recent, filings. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated
results.



Contact:   Doug Kohrs
           President and Chief Executive Officer
           952-930-6118
           Doug.Kohrs@AmericanMedicalSystems.com

           Jim Call
           Executive Vice President
             and Chief Financial Officer
           952-930-6238
           Jim.Call@AmericanMedicalSystems.com